Defending Champions Phnom Penh Crown, gunning for their sixth Metfone C-League title this season, defeated Nagaworld 4-2 at their own newly built RSN Stadium in a floodlit encounter late last evening.

Crown’s home victory, which was built around contributions from lively Shane Booysen and the ever green Bisan George, followed the side’s goal-less draw last Thursday against Boeung Ket Angkor.

Naga, who narrowly defeated Svay Rieng on the opening day of the season, showed signs of recovery when they pushed back to 2-3 with less than 15 minutes to go before Booysen ensured Crown victory by scoring the fourth goal, his second, late in the game.

Substitute Choun Chum raised hopes in the Naga camp when he scored in the 72nd minute and defender Sok Rithy added another 10 minutes later to put pressure on Crown, but the title holders never lost their poise.

A sudden spurt in Crown activity past the half hour mark led to two quick strikes.

First it was the fast advancing Shane Booysen meeting an inviting cross from the left with a firm shot past two Naga defenders that beat hollow goal-keeper Phorn Ratana.

Booysen lent a helping hand in the second goal scored by Bisan as Crown took a 2-0 lead into the second half. Bisan was back to stretch the lead even as Naga were noticeably struggling to get on level terms.

Bata hat-trick in Svay Rieng win Playing on their home pitch, Svay Rieng defeated Asia Europe United 3-2 on Saturday with last season’s top scorer Dzarma Bata in his elements for the winners booting home a hat-trick, spread across 21st, 64th and 88th minutes.

For AEU, George Kelechi Stanley twice levelled the scores with a brace in the 28th and 69th minutes but Bata’s final fling proved decisive for the home side.

At the Bati Stadium, on Saturday, an injury time goal from Janzen Anthony Robert helped debutante Cambodian Mines Actions Centre to force a 1-1 draw against Build Bright United, who shot ahead in the 59th minute through Lsua Tomasz Sankara.

At the Old Stadium, National Police drew 1-1 with National Defence Ministry. Police took the lead in the ninth minute when Mann Ritavan found the net.

It took a penalty conversion by substitute Ung Dara for the Armymen to restore parity in the 43rd minute.